Former Johnston County Deputy Sheriff William “Bill” Burgess filed Monday afternoon on the Republican ticket to challenge incumbent Sheriff Steve Bizzell.
Burgess (center) was joined by his wife Carolyn (right) and his campaign manager Blake Bizzell (left) at the Johnston County Board of Elections Office in Smithfield.
Burgess, 50, a native of Washington, NC worked with the Angier Police Department from 1990-1993, Clayton Police Department from 1993-1996, Wake County Sheriff’s Office from 1996-2016, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office from 2016-2017.
Burgess and his wife have a 9 year-old son, Jake, three stepchildren, Terah, Meghan and Keith, as well as three step-grandchildren.
“I am a career law enforcement officer and not a politician,” Burgess said. “I have served for approximately 27 years in law enforcement and have dedicated my life to the profession and to serving others.”
Sheriff Bizzell, also a Republican, filed Monday and is seeking his 6th term. The two candidates will challenge one another in the May 8th Republican Primary.
The filing period for local offices remains open until Noon on Monday, Feb. 26th.
